Arsenal face Everton on Friday night in the Premier League as they look to keep the narrow top four hopes alive.
The Gunners held a draw with Fulham last time, with a late equalizer from Eddie Nketiah who saved his blushes.
With both sides in the hunt for the top four in the last leg of the season, a win is important. Mikel Arteta will be keen to get his side up to speed before their Europa League semi-final next week, so let’s take a look at the side he should start.
Xhaka should start at left back | JULIAN FINNEY / Getty Images
Bernd Leno (GK) – Leno was lost to Fulham, but he is the main goalkeeper and should start here.
Hector Bellerin (RB) – Bellerin has struggled for minutes in the second half of the season but did well against Fulham and should retain his place for this game.
Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian has had an incredible season, but with David Luiz out, he is the best passer from the back available and has the pace to help with the high line.
Rob Holding (CB) – Seems to have taken on the leadership role in Arteta’s defense recently.
Granit Xhaka (LB) – With Kieran Tierney injured, Arteta has chosen the Swiss international on the left back and he has been brilliant so should continue in the role.
A breakthrough playmaker this season | Julian Finney / Getty Images
Thomas Partey (CM) – The Ghanaian has not had any luck with injuries this season, but he is still by far the club’s best midfielder and must start in this game to keep the four best hopes alive.
Dani Ceballos (CM) – His style of play and mobility in midfield suits Arteta perfectly, and together with Partey he gives good balance to the three in the middle of the park.
Emile Smith Rowe (CAM) – Smith Rowe has been a revelation in the top ten position this season and with Martin Odegaard injured, he should continue in his favorite position.
Nketiah saved the day last time IAN KINGTON / Getty Images
Bukayo Saka (RW) – Arsenal’s season player at a distance, if he is in shape he will start.
Eddie Nketiah (ST) – With senior strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ruled out with injuries, Nketiah should get a chance to build on the momentum in his goal last week from the start.
Nicolas Pepe (LW) – The club’s record signing has been much better this season but is still trying to convince people he is worth the £ 72million prize. He has been better on the left side and should start before Willian here to add a goal threat.
